Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA (2024 Update)

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea Solar Installation Cost: $7,050
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,785
  • Payback Period: 6.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Carmel-by-the-Sea, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,050, or $10,082 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,512
3 years $-2,436
5 years $640
7 years $3,715
9 years $6,791
11 years $9,867
13 years $12,943
15 years $16,019
17 years $19,094
19 years $22,170
21 years $25,246
23 years $28,322
25 years $31,398

Top Solar Installers in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Carmel-by-the-Sea is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $39,276 7.0 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $52,757 6.8 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $66,432 6.7 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $80,302 6.6 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $94,366 6.4 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $108,624 6.3 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $123,076 6.2 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $137,723 6.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

The average cost of solar panels in Carmel-by-the-Sea is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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